5 best 4K IPS monitors under $ 500

It would not be wrong to say that almost everyone has access to faster internet speed and higher bandwidth these days. And with 4K content becoming more readily available on online platforms, it’s only natural that we want our monitors to support the same. Step into 4K monitors – initially a distant dream, but now a reality.

These 4K monitors make content sharper and sharper, and they are now affordable, thankfully. With IPS displays, you get the added benefit of better color reproduction and color accuracy, not to mention a wider viewing angle.

In addition, a 4K IPS monitor also doubles an entertainment unit. If you’re lucky, you can find one with HDCP 2.2 support, and that will allow you to stream 4K content directly from streaming services. Cool, right?

So if you’re looking to update your screen to a 4K IPS screen, here are our best recommendations.

Let’s look.

1. ViewSonic VX2776 Frameless Widescreen IPS Monitor

If you want to invest in an affordable monitor with impressive color accuracy, the VX2776 is a good buy. It contains a respectable refresh rate of 60 Hz. In addition, the flicker-free backlight is pleasing to the eyes and is very practical, especially if you work long hours in front of the PC.

One of the main strengths of this monitor is its slim and elegant appearance. And the frameless screen adds a premium look to the monitor.

Regarding the connectivity ports, it combines the HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort and VGA inputs. HDMI 2.0 brings several interesting features such as supporting higher bandwidth. Supported systems can transfer data up to 18 Gbit / s compared to the speed of 10.2 Gbit / s in HDMI 1.4. In addition, you can also enjoy two video streams.

The image quality was considered to be quite good, with a bright display. The colors are roughly accurate although the saturation is a bit down. And with the VX2776 displaying 99% sRGB and 77% Adobe RGB, you can do light video editing or color-related work. Check out our top recommendations for monitors for photo editing.

Critics who bought this 4K IPS monitor are satisfied with their purchase. It has an overall positive rating of 75%, with users appreciating it for its image quality, screen quality and durability.

One user summarizes his experience: “This monitor is rock solid and has the feeling of a high manufacturing quality and met all my expectations. The text is remarkably sharp, the color is precise and the menus are easy to navigate controls. “

However, the OSD buttons located under the monitor can be a little difficult to press.

Note that the ViewSonic VX2776 does not support VESA media. Although you can tilt the monitor forward and backward, there is no option to adjust the height.

2. AOC U2790VQ UHD Frameless Monitor

Another monitor that promises exceptional design and excellent 4K output is the UOC U2790VQ frameless monitor. This one boasts of a bezel-less design with edges not exceeding one millimeter thick. Impressive, I must say. This feature makes the AOC U2790VQ perfect for use in a multi-screen configuration.

Image quality is above average considering the price. It displays 99% sRGB and 90% NTSC color gamut coverage. This is further coupled with great clarity and flexible viewing angles.

Like its counterpart above, the connectivity options are reasonable with the DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 1.4 ports. Finally, it supports a refresh rate of 60 Hz.

The sharp picture quality means you will enjoy watching movies on this 4K screen as much as you love working with it. So far, it has received a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars, with its image quality being one of the most appreciated features.

Note that you will not be able to explore FreeSync or the variable refresh rate with this monitor. Even if it comes with VESA mounting holes, it takes a little more effort to attach it to a monitor arm.

3. LG UDU 27UL500-W IPS Monitor

If you’re ready to spend a little more on a 4K IPS monitor, you should definitely check out the LG 27UL500-W. This brings together several features, including Radeon FreeSync technology, VESA media and HDCP 2.2 support. This is further complemented by a slim design coupled with an elegant curved support.

Radeon FreeSync technology ensures that you get smoother, stutter-free gaming action, as long as your PC’s graphics card supports it. Note that the refresh rate of the LG 27UL500-W is 60 Hz.

As for connectivity options, you get two HDMI 2.0 ports with DisplayPort 1.4 and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Again, HDCP2.2 compatibility means that it will be able to display content from 4K streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV Stick and game consoles.

When it comes to IPS displays, LG has always been a leader and this monitor is no different. The image quality is excellent. And with this monitor covering 98% sRGB, you can even consider doing this also for light editing work.

Critics love the LG 27UL500-W for its solid construction and image quality. Note that it does not come with integrated buttons like the products above. Instead, there is a joystick type switch on the rear panel.

The good news is that there is an app called Screen Control that lets you change color and contrast from the front end.

As previously stated, this 4K IPS monitor comes with a 100 x 100 VESA bolt pattern, which means you can easily mount it in a compatible monitor arm.

4. Philips UHD IPS 276E8VJSB 4K Monitor

If compatibility with Radeon FreeSync and VESA mounts is unimportant to you, the Philips 276E8VJSB 4K UHD IPS Monitor is the best choice for you. It promises excellent image quality with precise, vibrant and consistent color reproduction. And that’s not all. The monitor stand is beautiful (some might even call it elegant) and the powder coated finish adds punch to the overall look.

The strengths of the 276E8VJSB do not stop there. The pixel density of 163 PPI means that text and images would have greater clarity. In addition, it comes with a 10-bit color depth (8-bit FRC + 2-bit) and displays ~ 109% of the sRGB color gamut. With these specifications, you will get the desired image output without the images appearing too bright or saturated, according to the people of Display Ninja.

The ability to produce the full sRGB range also makes it an excellent entry-level monitor for work related to photo and video editing.

The reception of this product was great. And the user sums up his experience: “I was impressed by the quality of the image and I don’t know that there is anything else that can match its price / quality ratio.”

It has garnered over 70% positive reviews on Amazon.

For connectivity, this 4K IPS monitor includes two HDMI 2.0 ports, DisplayPort 1.2 and a convenient 3.5mm audio output.

This monitor does not have hardware keys to manage settings. Instead, the OSD is controlled by a joystick located on the back of the panel. It may not be as flexible as that available on the other models mentioned above.

In addition, the lack of VESA mounting bracket in the Philips 276E8VJSB could discourage some people who seek to mount it on a monitor arm.

5. Dell P2415Q Ultra HD Monitor

If the appearance of your monitor does not matter to you, the Dell P2415Q Ultra HD monitor is a good buy. Here, the glasses on the sides are a little thicker, which gives it a slightly older appearance. However, the good news is that the P2415Q is a pretty capable monitor and packs all of the features that you are looking for in a 4K monitor at this price.

On the one hand, the color calibration is perfect, which means that you can use it not only for editing work, but also for watching movies and playing casual games.

At the same time, it covers 98% of the sRGB color gamut. Sure, it may not appear as large as the 27-inch models on the list, but this model makes up for it with better pixel density and other features.

Regarding connection, the P2415Q contains four USB 3.0 ports in addition to the standard HDMI and DisplayPort ports.

The Dell P2415Q has seen pretty much excellent reviews. If we talk about numbers, it has 4 stars out of 5 on Amazon, users speak highly of the quality and brightness of its screen. And yes, it is compatible with VESA mounting.

Crisp like a wafer!

If you can increase your budget by a few dollars more, you can also check out the BenQ EW2780U 27-inch 4K monitor with HDR. This one is popular for having a light panel and for producing precise colors. And to top it off, it has a refresh rate of 144 Hz, enough to satisfy your gaming needs.

Even though the above monitors have a punch for the price, they do have some flaws. For one, affordable monitors tend to ignore features like FreeSync or higher refresh rates, which means you can’t use it for high-end games. In addition, the lack of HDR can cause you to miss the color details and the play of light and dark. Also check the response time and support for VESA editing before pressing the Buy button.

Then:

How about getting the most out of your monitors and laptop? Click the link below to discover some of the best laptop docking stations for two monitors.

Last updated on May 19, 2020

The above article may contain affiliate links that help support Guiding Tech. However, this does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains impartial and authentic.